‘Neem- A magical plant’: Poem by Kritika Benjwal, Apeejay School, Noida

Evergreen in nature

It is recognised by few despite its distinctive feature

It is found in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar

Its leaves are in the shape of a star

The flower smells sweet

The young leaves are pale, tender and green

 With a tinge of rust

Using it in a poultice form to heal wounds is a must 

People festoon fresh leaves across their home when there is an epidemic 

Of chickenpox or to keep evil spirits away

 It is kept during birth or death pray

These leaves are eaten to ward off sickness 

They are put in cupboards and drawers to resist moths and cockroaches 

They are basically used as repellents 

The famous Margosa oil’

Is obtained from the yellow fruit of the tree

It is used as an effective source of medication

For the treatment of skin diseases and leprosy

Neem grows on almost all kinds of soil 

The oil from the seeds can cure rheumatism by its external application

The bark and the gum yield valuable medicines

The farmers use it as a natural insecticide instead of chemicals 

Its leaves are magical

In the world of botanical

Every part of the tree is of some value 

The timber from the neem tree is beautiful mottled, hard and heavy

 Used for building ships, carts, and the furniture for many

The wood from the old trees is so bitter

 That no insect would touch it 

These were the rationale for the neem 

That a person should hold in high esteem